An Evening With A Writer

This space is customarily devoted to helpful words about writing, excerpts from my personal learning curve. Today I write about another writer. I feel justified in this because this writer is, in fact, part of my learning curve.

This past week was spent at the Santa Barbara Writers Conference. An aged institution, with fine old traditions built by luminaries such as Ray Bradbury and Barnaby Conrad, it moves on in this new century guided by its new owner, Monte Shultz. To his credit, he has maintained the experience of workshops and guest panels and long “Pirate” nights and guest authors and the opportunity for new and not-so-new writers to exchange thoughts, ideas, and business cards. And always the looming opportunity to meet agents and publishers with the hope of becoming the one of the few to walk away with an offer, or at least a promise.

But for me all of the above was eclipsed by the opportunity to see, hear, and experience a writer whose work first intrigued and then challenged me with his latest book, Riding on the Rim, two years ago. Thomas McGuane was just who I thought he was.

No lecturer, he. No “pull yourself up by the bootstraps” type monologue or “be yourself, write yourself” advice or “My first six novels were never published” simpatico refrain. Rather, Thomas sat down in front of us and invited us to ask questions, any questions, and then his wife reminded him to zip his fly. I knew at once I would like him.

This relaxed un-presumptious man could tell personal stories about Marlon Brando and Jack Nicholson, speak honestly and selflessly about his own writing goals and on-going aspirations, tell jokes and amusing anecdotes, and speak about new authors he is currently reading with undisguised admiration. No out-of-control ego here! Without appearing to extend himself, Mr. McGuane presented a rare inside glimpse of the world of a consummate, successful writer and his love for the land where he lives and the people with whom he shares it.

His words prompted thought, too much to share in this short piece. But the insight he presented, not with long narrative but with seemingly off-hand dialogue and imagery, suggested a writer who moves beyond skill with pen and paper to an addictive curiosity about the lives treading their own paths near his and a never-fading passion for the brilliant sunsets and the fields of waving grass of his life. Without that, after all,what is there to write?

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Latest Reviews

The Other

good read .. being Dine and knowing the area made for an enjoyable read and have already started the 2nd in series of this book .. good job (APD on Amazon)

Mestaclocan:

I love the way this writer thinks, the powerful way his story brings you in and makes it impossible to put the book down. I've always been a murder mystery nut but R Lawson Gamble certainly leaves me wanting more Tolliver and Eagle Feather adventures. (DB on Amazon)

The Other

Hunters find the the body of a young blond white child on a Indian reservation. ZackTolliver an FBI agent is called in to investigate the situation. He believes she was murdered and left there to be found. Zack sets out tracking bear tracks that suddenly become human bare feet. This is a wonderful tale of this agent and his Indian friend Eagle Feather. Jake does not believe in Skinwalkers but he will become a believer. Great story, masterfully written.

Zaca

I bought all three of your books when you were at Bedford Winery in June. I just finished Zaca. I loved it! I started it on Wednesday on my commute to work and just finished. I could not put it down. Every spare moment I had these last few days my nose was in this book. I can't wait to read the other two! Thank you so much! You definitely have the talent to engage the reader with your story telling. I am definitely a fan! SG

Mestaclocan

"It’s not often that I don’t have any idea about what is really going on, but this one did surprise me. Well written, with unexpected twists in the plot. I’d recommend it as a great read!" Brawley, CA (December 2014)

The Other

"Your characters are so real that I feel like I know them personally. You took me with you to actually witness the events taking place. .." LC

"A very interesting story blending tribal lore, behavioral science, adventure and a hint of romance. I found it hard to put down. I live in Arizona and ..." Sadie McC.

"Great book; the action combined with native American culture made the book hard to put down..." Alicia Hallford

"I thoroughly enjoyed how this author mixed a good mystery with it's geographical and historical / cultural context. I look forward to upcoming books." Robert C. Campagne

"It kept me up reading part of the night. It was a very good mystery with some supernatural thrown in... I would like to read more of this author." Miss S

"A great read that keeps you guessing right up until the end. Excellent characters and storyline..." BobGBob

"One of the best books I have read in a long time. I started reading it last night, slept a couple hours and had it finished today because I was that anxious to find out the ending. Fantastic story!!..." C C

"There aren't enough stars to rate this book high enough in my opinion. I can't believe no one has bought the rights to the book too make movie from it..." Mike Paxton

"Excellent well written and edited...The Other is a super read! It flows fast and smoothly, has a likable lineup of characters and a storyline that draws the reader into its fascinating and eerie world..." SS

"R. Lawson Gamble went to a lot of trouble reseaching this tale of Navajo legend and Navajo beliefs. This is the creepy, yet compelling story of the relentless pursuit of a child killer...It's a must read for anyone who enjoys a good mystery/suspense/thriller type of tale." J B Bergstad

"I started The Other last night and read the first 400 pages! I was up until midnight! Bottom line, LOVE IT..." CL

"A tantalizing and creepy mystery set in the American Southwest, an area which the author brings deliciously to life... I hope for a sequel. I've become too attached to the characters to say goodbye just yet!" LG

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